Man Utd edge closer to dream transfer as offer arrives for €42.5m signing

Updated: 27 Aug 2026 17:24 BST | 4 min read

Matthew Judge | Editor

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Manchester United are in advanced talks with Fiorentina over a move that would see Joshua Zirkzee leave on loan, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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Fiorentina are believed to have made an offer which includes a €5million (£4.2m) loan fee and the option to make the move permanent next summer.

Fabio Grosso’s side are keen to strengthen their frontline as Moise Kean reportedly edges closer to joining Serie A counterparts Como in a package worth €40m (£34.2m).

Zirkzee is also wanted by Serie A giants Juventus but Gazzetta dello Sport understands they first want to free up space by offloading Jonathan David.

Netherlands striker Zirkzee joined United from Italian outfit Bologna for €42.5m (£35.8m) in July 2024, with the striker signing a five-year contract.

However, the 25-year-old has struggled to impress when given a rare opportunity to shine, scoring just nine goals in 75 appearances.

STATS

Joshua Zirkzee

F (C)

Man Utd

Joshua Zirkzee

F (C)

Man Utd

26

Games
2

Goals
1

Assists

Zirkzee has been linked with a return to Italy for several months, with Atalanta and Roma credited with an interest in January.

United unlikely to sign a replacement for outgoing Zirkzee

Despite the increasing likelihood that Zirkzee leaves Old Trafford, United are not expected to sign a replacement striker in the final few days of the transfer window.

BBC Sport’s Simon Stone understands the Red Devils are prioritising signing a left-back ahead of next week’s deadline on Tuesday, 1 September.

The 20-time league champions have been linked with a number of candidates including Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde, though a deal remains unlikely.

The Times claims La Liga champions Barcelona value Balde at €40.9m (£35m) but United’s preference would be to sign the 22-year-old on loan.

United have also ran the rule over Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall, RB Leipzig’s David Raum and Nottingham Forest’s Neco Williams, as per various sources.

Michael Carrick’s side have so far signed Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow this summer.

They are looking to bounce back from their 2-0 loss at Hull City when they entertain Ipswich Town in their first home game of the new Premier League season on Sunday.

Zirkzee was an unused substitute as United were put the sword by newly-promoted Hull thanks to goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy at the MKM Stadium.